Self Less: Lessons Learned from A Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts

by Len Jessup

With Self Less, Len Jessup shares an engaging first-person narrative detailing how his origins, beliefs, adversity, impact, and legacy shaped him into a selfless leader devoted to helping transform organizations. Beginning with childhood experiences and ancestral influences that imprinted a drive to serve others, Jessup recounts critical mentors and moments that built his confidence, reinforced core values, and motivated him toward continual growth.

Through riveting stories, Jessup demonstrates how he overcame obstacles by remaining true to his purpose, listening before acting, finding possibility amid doubts, building robust teams, maintaining resilience, and staying patient but determined in the face of resistance. Rather than top-down authoritarian leadership, Jessup advocates for a more enlightened, inclusive approach he terms "self less leadership"—acting with concern for others' needs and deferring personal credit.

Jessup shares how this selfless mindset enabled breakthrough successes at universities he led. By transparently engaging stakeholders and promoting shared beliefs, he spearheaded major initiatives including curriculum innovations, facilities modernization, advanced degree programs, research growth, fundraising campaigns, and community partnerships. Throughout his journey, Jessup focused on maximizing positive impact on people through service. He offers lessons on lifelong learning, ethical governance, relationship building, and leaving a values-based legacy.

Offering a unique blend of memoir and leadership guidance, Self Less provides an inspirational model for leading transformational change in any organization while staying grounded in humility. Jessup aims to motivate readers to reflect on using their fleeting time and influence to better serve others.

Genres: Personal Development

120 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Elizabeth O'Keefe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC and was super excited to jump into it to be honest with you, which is kind of crazy considering the topic.

I went into this book thinking there would be some examples of how these lessons were learned and how to make it into your own career bubble, or personal growth. This book is purely based on Len's experience and his lessons, and his outcomes, it is more of a memoir than a leadership book in my opinion. Overall it was an easy read.

[Elly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Self Less" by Len Jessup is a compelling blend of autobiography and leadership manual that stands out for its profound narrative on selfless leadership. In this book, Jessup takes readers on a journey through his life, from his formative years influenced by his ancestors and childhood experiences to the pinnacle of his career leading transformative changes in academic institutions. His story is not just a recount of personal and professional achievements but a testament to the power of serving others above oneself.

Jessup's engaging first-person narrative immerses readers in the experiences that shaped him into a leader devoted to making a difference. He shares insights from pivotal moments and relationships with mentors that helped solidify his core values and drive towards continuous self-improvement. The challenges and obstacles Jessup faced are presented not as barriers but as opportunities for growth, emphasizing resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to one's purpose.

What sets "Self Less" apart is Jessup's advocacy for "selfless leadership," a philosophy that prioritizes the needs of others and collective goals over personal accolades. His successful tenure at various universities serves as a case study for this approach, highlighting achievements in academic innovation, facilities upgrades, research expansion, and community engagement—all achieved through inclusive leadership and stakeholder collaboration.

Jessup's narrative is both inspirational and practical, offering readers actionable insights into ethical governance, effective team building, and the importance of lifelong learning. His vision for leadership is grounded in humility and the desire to leave a lasting, positive legacy that transcends individual accomplishments.

[✨ ੈ✩‧April ♡ ʚ♡⃛ɞ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Self Less" by Len Jessup is an inspiring and insightful exploration of servant leadership, drawn from a lifetime of personal and professional experiences. Structured in five compelling acts, Jessup’s narrative is both engaging and deeply informative, offering readers a clear roadmap to becoming impactful leaders through service to others.

Jessup's storytelling is powerful, seamlessly blending anecdotes with actionable lessons. His journey through various leadership roles is filled with wisdom, humility, and practical insights that resonate on multiple levels. Each act presents valuable takeaways, making complex leadership principles accessible and relatable.

What makes this book stand out is Jessup’s genuine commitment to the core values of servant leadership. His emphasis on empathy, integrity, and selflessness as fundamental aspects of effective leadership is both refreshing and motivating. Readers are encouraged to reflect on their own leadership styles and consider how they can better serve their teams and communities.

"Self Less" is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Len Jessup has crafted a profound and uplifting guide that not only educates but also inspires readers to lead with heart and purpose. This book is a testament to the transformative power of servant leadership.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for leaders!

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is, or why bad things happen to you? Have you even asked yourself, what is the purpose of your suffering? Well, this book proposes those questions from the perspective and experience of the author Len Jessup, who tells us in first person the impact of the difficult moments in his life from his childhood to almost adulthood and how this, despite having marked him, also showed him the way to the future and his life project.

“Self Less” is a book that shows us how out of adversity emerge innate leaders; those who overcome obstacles, those who see unthinkable solutions who are able to lead teams and care about their people. It is an inspiring book that will make you rethink many things, but will push you to bring out your inner leader.

If you are looking to bring out your inner leader at its best and you are looking for a source of inspiration, I recommend you to read this book and the story of this magnificent author.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a combination of real-life stories about leadership development that are relatable and engaging. Beginning with the importance of a good impact, dealing with imposter syndrome, and motivation, Jessup tells the readers about his journey of business leadership with a positive attitude when it comes to learning and teaching, including when he made mistakes and had failures so it makes this reading extra interesting. The author's point of view is empathetic and understands the importance of team building and collaborations with others. I believe this is a unique and authentic resource for anyone searching how to improve leadership skills but with a caring and inclusive perspective as well.

[Ivan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a leader is hard to describe because there's not one type of leader. To be a mediocre one requires power, but to be a great one there's much more than that, a good leader is always adapting, always finding new ways, and thinking about the approach to take in each situation. I would even call it an art.

Jessup shares the method he developed over the years, focusing primarily on the humanitarian aspect of leading. It was a refreshing read, the author crafted this book with originality, avoiding the usual concepts widely exploited in other Leadership books, so I recommend this book for the beginner or experienced worker who wants to actually change things around and create a better version of themselves.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

great help for any leader

Being a leader is definitely not easy. It comes with great responsibility and many obligations. Having said this I consider this book to be of great help for any leader. I could go even further and say that it should be an obligation for any leader to read and understand this book. I liked the emphasis on treating your employees well. They deserve empathy and respect before anything else. I learned about the importance of staying humble and listening to everyone before acting. If you want to have a good and productive working environment that’s what you have to start with. Authoritarianism is old school. We have to level up our game and this book is a great help in that.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes beyond being a simple leadership guide; it serves as a powerful example of how servant leadership can positively influence our lives and the world around us. The memories shared in this book go beyond typical leadership narratives. They offer us practical and transformative lessons rooted in real-life experiences. What is notable about “Self Less” is its ability to convey powerful ideas in a concise format. This book is concise, spanning roughly 120 pages, ideal for a single sitting, yet it resonates deeply.

A trusted individual suggested this book to me, and I'm grateful I followed their recommendation. The author's writing style is authentic, captivating the reader and enhancing the overall reading experience. This reading is a must!

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

Len Jessup shares in this book called With Self Less his personal story and how each experience has led him to become a positive and selfless leader. Throughout the book, the author offers a leadership guide backed by their own life.
The author identifies experiences from childhood and ancestral influences that marked his impulse to serve others. Also, he recognizes mentors and critical moments that developed his confidence, reinforced their motivation towards constant growth based on certain values and beliefs.
It is inspirational, moving and reflective at the same time. I am sure that I will read this book more than once and I think that everyone who is or seeks to be a leader should read it.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about leadership that can impact those in that position, but also everyone else. The information is centered around how to become a successful leader in a specific environment, but the information and advice it gives can be used in any environment really.
It talks about how important teamwork is, being humble and also being aware that there are more people around us. It becomes a win-win situation, if more people would help others in need, everything would probably be smoother in the world.
It was a very engaging book and a very positive one to help the community and organizations in a very meaningful way.

[Dani Savante · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Self Less", written by Len Jessup, is a work that stands out in the world of leadership, due to its deep human approach and genuine introspection. In this book, the author not only shares his personal and professional experiences, but has also invited me to reflect and understand how his life has been guided by a selfless purpose of serving others. I consider this an admirable quality and one that is too rare in the world of contemporary leadership.
It is a fantastic book, super interesting and that I recommend without hesitation. It has helped me get through a difficult time. I always have it on hand to refer back to.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of how a remarkable individual went on a journey of self-discovery. The author, through first person narration, tells of what it was like to become a leader in the business arena. He was able to create a way of behavior that he called “self less leadership.” Now, he is eager to teach you how to use the same techniques he did to create the best possible relationships with your coworkers.

His teachings don’t just apply to your work life, though. If you are able to employ what this author teaches in other aspects of your daily existence, you will doubtless find that the individuals around you will start to respect you more and to look to you for guidance.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because a friend recommended it to me, and I definitely liked it because it offers an authentic vision about leadership. Len Jessup guides the reader through his own personal experience on a journey structured with valuable lessons about the importance of resilience, empathy, and self-awareness in effective leadership. One of the most significant things about the book is that it gives us essential tools to lead work teams from an altruistic and service culture in any sector or business in which we find ourselves. I recommend this book to people who are looking for leadership inspiration, and who truly want to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

[Almiria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self Less by Len Jessup is an interesting blend of memoir and self-help guide which reflects on their journey in servant leadership – that is, leadership with the goal to serve and help others. I really appreciated the positive of the book and the in-depth exploration of the author’s personal experiences and life lessons learned. I did think that the book could have an improved focus on practical steps or sections that can help readers implement the lessons conveyed effectively in their own lives. This is certainly a very promising start though and I hope the author will consider releasing a more hands-on book on this subject as well. I am giving this book four out of five stars.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I loved about this book is the format of writing, drawing from first hand experiences to bring to light aspects about life, leadership and service.
I believe most readers would relate to it.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC. What I found new and interesting personally was the GAS method- which has become a practice and every morning I get to: G- practice gratitude, say the things I am grateful for, A-ask for help, not shying away from asking for help and guidance when I need it, S- setting intentions of the day.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blueprint for Servant Leadership...

Len Jessup's book "Self Less: Lessons Learned from A Life Devoted to Servant Leadership, in Five Acts" transcends beyond mere memoir, providing a transformative leadership model. By sharing his incredible journey from humble origins to the presidency of a university, Jessup emphasizes the significance of listening, resiliency, and empathy in leadership. He achieves this through entertaining narratives and incisive insights. Reading this book is an absolute necessity for everyone who is serious about making a change in the world. Highly recommended.

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an aspiring leader in the educational field, I found Jessup's highlighted path to a leadership style centered on service and empathy. For those working in fields focused on service and community impact, his quote, "great leaders are servants first," challenges traditional leadership hierarchies, prioritizing a culture built on trust, respect, and collaboration. I emphasize the importance of putting others first and believe that leading through service is crucial. The author empowered me to focus more on the needs of my students to create lasting impacts.

[Nancy Retallick, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positive View

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking to be a leader. The most important chapter to me is the one on beliefs. No matter what, don’t let others bring you down. I love the author’s positive view and advice on having consideration of others’ needs, fears, and aspirations. I agree that selfless leadership is not a destination but a daily choice. The other best part is that this is not a how to micromanage book. This comes from someone who cares for others.

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read

This is a wonderful book that will guide the reader to new horizons and ideas and every leader should really get their hands on this book.
The author really brings all of his experience in this book and allows us the honor of reading and grasping all he has learned in his extensive experience.
A topic he speaks about that really caught my attention was the servant leadership idea, and after reading it, it definitely makes sense as to why that would bring positive changes to the work environment. I highly recommend it!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Complimentary Copy

This book was fine. There were multiple examples of where the author’s colleagues or subordinates did not agree with the course of action the author wanted to take. I would have liked to know more about the nature of their resistance and how the author worked with them or persuaded them to proceed with his ideas. The theme was more “people disagreed with me but I persisted and overcame their disagreements”. But how? Leadership is inspiring people to follow you. Not forcing them.

[Memo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book intended to inspire higher-ed professionals

A short book in which the author shares his experiences and lessons learned throughout his career in leadership roles in different universities. There is more than enough mentions of his friends and colleagues, giving the impression that they are the intended audience of the book. I enjoyed the parts where he describes the actual lessons, which I find a bit inspiring. I also liked the short length of the book.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, but it kind of leaned more towards a memoir than a guide/help book. I liked that the author laid everything out in a five act setting - it was cool to see it play out. But I feel like this book just scratched the surface on servant leadership. It definitely needs more - how did you get those lessons, what actions did you do for you to learn that (an in-depth explanation). It's a good start!

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author takes you on a journey through his life, detailing the experiences and influences that molded him into a devoted servant leader. He advocates for what he calls "self less leadership," which is all about putting others first and leading with empathy and inclusivity. I liked the refreshing touch of leadership in this book.
"Self Less" is a powerful, thought-provoking read that combines personal anecdotes with leadership strategies. I recommend reading it!

[Margarita Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story.

This inspiring memoir is a powerful guide for those who are looking to become leaders with purpose. "Self Less" offers an inspiring journey through the challenges and triumphs that shape true leadership. As you are reading, you will discover not just motivation, but a practical roadmap with five steps to becoming a leader. The book explores key themes like personal origins, core beliefs, overcoming adversity, creating impact, and leaving a lasting legacy. It is a warm and enriching read.

[Carlos mutua · Rating 4 out of 5]

leadership through acts

Leadership comes for the Lord as the saying goes, while it is easy said the reality is contrary to that, this book emphasis the five act to show a servant leader.

[Tiffany Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Super easy read and I love when the writers of leadership books also remain humble in their approach. Gave it a lower rating because it falls more in line with a memoir but still enjoyable.

[Melissa Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very insightful.